Gary Lineker has made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo should sue Ruben Amorim after the England international’s resurgence under Michael Carrick

Gary Lineker has humorously suggested that Manchester United midfielder Kobbie Mainoo might consider taking legal action against former manager Ruben Amorim.

The England international’s career has seen a resurgence under Michael Carrick, after struggling for playing time under the Portuguese coach. The ex-Match of the Day host made the light-hearted comment following another standout performance from Mainoo in a United victory, as United extended their unbeaten run to four games against Tottenham Hotspur.

The 20-year-old was on the verge of leaving Old Trafford in search of regular first-team football, but is now close to securing a new contract at the Theatre of Dreams, having reaffirmed his value to the team.

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Lineker suggested that Mainoo’s absence from the starting line-up had been harmful, even jokingly proposing that the midfielder could contemplate suing Amorim.

Speaking on the Rest is Football podcast, he quipped: “Do you know what? If I was Kobbie Mainoo – and I say this in jest – I’d be thinking about whether I should sue him [Amorim] or not.

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“He’s taken a year out of that kid’s career. This kid is a wonderful footballer.”

“God, he makes it look so easy. He wants the ball, he receives it with anyone around him and he turns, always makes the right decisions, he’s graceful.

“I mean, come on! He’s been absolutely detrimental to his career.”

Lineker is convinced that the midfielder will secure a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad if he maintains his form under Michael Carrick.

“If he doesn’t make the World Cup squad… and I sense he probably will if he can stay fit and if he keeps playing because he’s just a seriously good footballer,” the former Match of the Day presenter added.

“I know his brother got in a bit of trouble for saying on the T-shirt, “Free Kobbie”, but he has absolutely got a point, his brother. What was he (Amorim) thinking?!

United are firmly in control of Champions League qualification following their 2-0 victory over Spurs, which allowed them to retain their position amongst the league’s frontrunners.

Chelsea trail by just a single point after defeating Wolves 3-1, but there was encouraging news in Manchester on Sunday when Liverpool failed to protect their one-goal advantage against Manchester City, suffering a 2-1 defeat that leaves them five points adrift of United.

The heat is rising on Arne Slot’s team as they face the prospect of slipping further behind in the battle for a top-four finish, with a midweek trip to Sunderland awaiting them – a side yet to taste defeat on home soil this season.